THE MAKEUP TAX: IS IT WORTH IT?

A hot topic of conversation this past summer, the “makeup tax” is something that has affected women, from teenagers to adults, since as far as anyone can remember.

What is it?

The time and money spent to apply makeup.

In an article by Olga Khazan in The Atlantic, she describes how the average woman can spend $15,000 or more in her lifetime on cosmetics. Making $60 billion on average every year, the cosmetics industry is not waning.

That is just in the finances department. The second matter of question is the time invested by women.

In 2014, The Today Show conducted a survey demonstrating that women spend on average 2 weeks out of the year on their appearance. What’s the breakdown? 55 minutes every day or 335 hours every year.

With magazine covers flashing shiny lips and dewy skin wherever men and women turn, wearing makeup has become the socially acceptable norm.

In studies conducted, women that wear makeup experience a confidence boost, garner respect and affection from friends and co-workers, and fare better in job interviews.

While men and women can agree on shopping for the basics – shaving cream, shampoo, etc. – men typically do not worry about purchasing cosmetics or the time spent every day applying it.

So how do we feel about it?

Whether you prefer going Au natural, low-maintenance, or full-on glamorous, all women are beautiful. We love the feeling we get when we are done up, we can’t lie, but going natural has beauty and a confidence booster in itself as well.

However you feel comfortable, empowered, and beautiful is how you should be.

We would love to hear from our readers – is the makeup tax an issue for you? #WeWantToKnow